The infamous Black Swan Murder trial has concluded in Manatee County, Florida, where ballerina Ashley Benefield was facing charges of second-degree murder in the death of her estranged husband, Doug Benefield.
The 33-year-old former dancer was convicted on the lesser charge of manslaughter in what is a partial victory for her defense team, who argued that Ashley shot Doug multiple times in self-defense.
The trial was dubbed the Black Swan Murder trial after the 2010 Natalie Portman movie Black Swan about a psychologically disturbed ballet dancer.
On September 27, 2020, Doug and Ashley were at her mother’s home in Lakewood Ranch, FL, preparing for a move to Maryland. The couple had recently reconciled after being a part for at least two years. However, an argument ensued, and Ashley shot and killed 58-year-old Doug.
Ashley claimed that Doug had slapped her in the face and was becoming increasingly violent. She said he was rushing toward her when she fired.
The former ballerina also claimed that she had endured psychological abuse during their relationship. She said he once fired a gun into the ceiling to stop her talking, and on one occasion, he punched their dog in the head, rendering the animal unconscious.
Ashley Benefield claimed self-defense in Florida Back Swan murder trial
At one point, Ashley accused Doug of poisoning his first wife; she had passed away just nine months before they met. Ashley claimed that Doug was now trying to poison her. There was no evidence against Doug, and no charges were ever brought against him.
Watch the Latest on our YouTube ChannelDuring the trial, the prosecution admitted that Doug was not an angel but argued that Ashley had no good reason to shoot him. They insisted that Ashley wanted Doug out of her life by any means.
The prosecution argued that Ashley showed no physical signs that she had been slapped in the face when Doug was shot. They also pointed to an autopsy, which alleged the bullet had traveled through Doug’s side, contradicting Ashley’s claim that he was rushing toward her.
The jury rejected Ashley’s claims of self-defense but also refused to accept the prosecution’s charge of murder. They settled for manslaughter.
After the verdict, Doug’s daughter, Eva Benefield, said, “After four years of waiting, my dad got the justice that he deserves.”
Ashley and Doug Benefield had a short and tumultuous relationship
The couple first met at a political event in 2016 when Ashley was 24 and Doug was 54. Doug was a prominent Republican Party donor. The pair were married 13 days later.
They started a ballet dance school that quickly went bust, and their marriage was soon in disarray. Ashley became pregnant, but before she gave birth, she had left to live with her mother. After the birth, Ashley refused to allow Doug to see their baby.
Assistant State Attorney Suzanne O’Donnell told the press, “All within a year of being married, they have done a vasectomy reversal, gotten pregnant, started a ballet, and the ballet has crumbled.”
Eventually, a judge intervened in their case and forced Ashley to allow visitation rights, and the pair appeared to reconcile.
Ashley is now facing a sentence of up to 30 years. A date has not been set for sentencing.